sump and return pump.... Newbie

[VB]

I have a 100 gal tank and stand. Does anyone have any suggestions on the size of sump and return pump I would need? Also, how do prevent a overfow in the tank or sump, if the overflow box lost syphon or the electric went out? That kind of a scary thought. Any ideas would be greatly appreiciated.

[Kmoriarty]

I just built a sump/fuge with an overflow. I was really scared about that too. My lfs told me to use an "aqualifter" pump on the overflow. It's keeps syphon and when power is lost it restarts the syphon when power returns. My sump/fuge has a capacity of about 30 gallons but I run it at about 15. The fuge is about 5 gallons with two peices of live rock in the corners and some chaeto. It's been an incredible aid in nutrient absoprtion and area for pods to multiply freely!

[TuReal]

I just built a sump/fuge with an overflow. I was really scared about that too. My lfs told me to use an "aqualifter" pump on the overflow. It's keeps syphon and when power is lost it restarts the syphon when power returns. My sump/fuge has a capacity of about 30 gallons but I run it at about 15. The fuge is about 5 gallons with two peices of live rock in the corners and some chaeto. It's been an incredible aid in nutrient absoprtion and area for pods to multiply freely!

Did you actually set up the aqualifter? If so can you shed some light on how to do this and some pics would be awesome.

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

Ive never been a fan of siphon overflow boxes. Although lots of people use them. Have you considered drilling the tank? There are tons of great DIY overflows to choose from.Chasman just finished his Beananimal overflow and swears by it. I think Original Fin has got something similar lined up for his new tank. If you're interested, I'm sure they can help as long as they don't mind being put on the spot.

[Kmoriarty]

The aqualifter has an input and an output air tube. The input attaches to the top of your overflow, and the output hangs submerged in either the display or the tank part of the overflow. They're like $20 and very much so worth it! My LFS said to replace it about once a year to insure proper functioning though. this is what mine looks like as an above angle. The pump just sits on top of the overflow.

[Chasman]

VB

In theory, aqualifter should work, but I've had no experience with it. A couple of things you should do. Check out the site Glassholes.com. Their overflow boxes require drilling your tank (which is easy to do) but adds a ton of safety to the run dry/flooding problem. Also you should get on YouTube and see what people are doing with their overflow boxes. You will see all kinds of ways to set up overflow boxes. From the very sophisticated to the ones you can't believe they even work. (Nor should they). You can get some ideas on the sizes of sumps people use as well. After you look at some of that stuff I'm sure you will have some more refined questions we can help you with.

Chasman